A medication that is available by prescription only, Xanax, produces a calming effect on the brain by "slowing it down." Xanax, the brand name for alprazolam, slows down neurotransmitters called gamma-aminobutric acid. Individuals that suffer from anxiety disorders or panic attacks seem to have overactive neurotransmitters and by slowing them down the drug tends to relieve feelings of stress and impending doom.

The Effects of Xanax

Those who abuse Xanax find pleasure in the drowsy feeling that it causes. Xanax electrifies the brain’s pleasure centers with an initial euphoric feeling that is rarely recaptured. The chase is on to recreate that feeling and a Xanax addiction is born.

Upon taking Xanax, one may experience drowsiness, loss of concentration, loss of motor skills or slurred speech. Generally, these symptoms dissipate after several days. Unfortunately, after experiencing the calming effect this medication can produce, many people continue to seek an even a greater feeling of calm and will begin to increase the amount of medication they take. With an increase in Xanax use and an ever-increasing tolerance, a Xanax addiction soon emerges.

At some point in their Xanax addiction, the addict might be taking between 20 - 30 pills a day. Even before this point, it is extremely dangerous to discontinue Xanax use on your own. Discontinuing Xanax without medical supervision can produce seizures and convulsions, which can be life threatening.
Xanax Addiction – The Physical Effects

Xanax, a prescription medication, can prove to be physically and emotionally addictive. Prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders, there is a tendency for people to abuse this medication. Once Xanax abuse begins, side effects begin to show. These side effects may include:

After a period of time these symptoms may dissipate, even with increased use of the drug. The problem is that with increased use, comes tolerance and with tolerance comes an addiction. At this point, the person is continually abusing the medication in the hope of experiencing that initial calming effect again. What they don't understand is that the initial feeling can never be duplicated and the only solution left is to detox from the Xanax addiction.

Xanax Addiction and Withdrawal

Withdrawal from a Xanax addiction is extremely uncomfortable, but manageable. Always keep in mind that it is dangerous to abruptly discontinue Xanax without medical supervision and the right kind of Xanax treatment. Seizures, convulsions, even death, can occur if Xanax use is not decreased slowly.

One of the major difficulties with Xanax treatment for withdrawal is that it increases the initial symptoms the addict was trying to suppress. The brain, which was sedated by the Xanax, begins to race, creating even more anxiety. This, coupled with the anxiety produced by withdrawal can be extremely intense and difficult to cope with. It is well documented that the brain can actually go into seizure as it transitions from a period of medicated calm to one of hyperactivity, when the Xanax is discontinued.

Xanax Treatment for Xanax Addiction

In almost every case, Xanax treatment usually begins with an admission to a detox center for the management and treatment of any withdrawal symptoms. In most cases, Xanax addiction withdrawal symptoms are manageable under the care of a physician trained in addiction medicine and Xanax treatment.

I'm wanna go to a party tonight but I don't want to drink....probably gonna pop three and smoke on em.

Since I started using regularly I've noticed that after a certain amount of time I totally and completely black out. I always wake up safe and sound in bed..usually with my pjs on...but I never remember how I got there.

Question...let's say I pop three 1mg pills at like 10..I gotta pick my bf up from work at 2:30...he works a couple blocks from where the party is going to be...think I'd be okay to drive?

You need to be careful with that stuff, if you are taking it and it is knocking you out enough that you are blacking out, you may not want to be driving after you take it. You could end up passing out behind the wheel.